Holding the Ball – Dive/Drag
28 February 2024
Holding the ball – dive/drag
A player who dives on top of the ball, or drags the ball under their body, must immediately knock it clear (if it is under them) or correctly dispose (if they have taken possession by dragging/diving) when they are legally tackled.
This law still applies if the player, after diving/dragging, stands up with the ball in their possession.
Examples
https://www.loom.com/share/31613a891da54f9cb01beef5f0abad1b
- The Mt. Eliza player elects to dive on the ball. It is arguable if there is a tackle from the Pines player, however in this case I am prepared to say that there was. As the ball is not disposed of immediately a correct decision for Holding the Ball is made.
- This is an excellent decision and one that we can easily miss. Late in the contest the Pearcedale player elects to dive on the ball in order to create a stoppage. He is correctly tackled and penalised. In this instance umpires need to hold the whistle and allow the contest to eventuate rather than simply calling for an immediate ball up.
